Federal Register #2026-13759

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Items by Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University

This opportunity involves a notice of intended repatriation of cultural items by the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, overseen by the Department of the Interior and National Park Service. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a cultural repatriation, not a procurement of goods or services. - Products/Items for Repatriation: - 70 unassociated funerary objects, including: - Ceramic sherds and vessels - Chunkey stones - Shell items (beads, pins, ear plugs, gorgets) - Worked faunal remains - Stone vessels and fragments - Stone tools and stone items - Mica - Projectile points - Pipes - Unidentified items - Unique Requirements: - Items were removed from sites in Sullivan County and eastern Tennessee between 1872 and 1985 - Culturally affiliated with the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma - Repatriation requests may be submitted by affiliated tribes, lineal descendants, or other culturally affiliated groups - The museum will determine the most appropriate recipient if multiple requests are received - No contract value, OEMs, or commercial competition is associated with this notice

Description

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University intends to repatriate 70 unassociated funerary objects that have cultural affiliation with certain Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. These items include ceramic sherds, vessels, shell items, worked faunal remains, stone tools, and other artifacts removed from various sites in Tennessee. The repatriation is conducted under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and may occur on or after August 7, 2026. Requests for repatriation can be submitted by affiliated tribes or lineal descendants and will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate recipient if multiple requests are received.

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